McDonogh grad Lauren Paul Norris named coach of Team Israel

The Baltimore Sun

The Israel Lacrosse Association has announced that Lauren Paul Norris, a McDonogh alumna and four-time Jewish All-American at Franklin & Marshall, has been named coach of the Israel national lacrosse team that will compete in the 2013 Federal of International Lacrosse Women’s World Cup.

“Lauren’s resume really speaks for itself,” said Scott Neiss, director of the association. “We’re extremely confident in Lauren’s coaching ability, her passion for the sport and her commitment to developing the game in Israel. It’s clear she has the experience and the vision to lead our women’s program.”

Norris previously served as head coach at Franklin & Marshall from 2009 to 2012, leading the Diplomats to the 2009 NCAA Division III championship and Centennial Conference titles in 2009, 2010 and 2011. She was also named IWLCA Coach of the Year in 2009 after becoming the first coach ever to win a national championship in her first season. In four seasons at Franklin & Marshall, she led the team to a 68-10 record. Norris was dismissed in April after an investigation into a hazing complaint that also resulted in the suspension of a group of senior and junior players.

Norris, who joined the coaching staff at High Point in 2012, also has served as an assistant coach at Dickinson (2005-2007) and Lafayette (2004). She played for Franklin & Marshall from 2000 to 2003 and was a two-time All-American, three-time first-team All-Metro Region player and a three-time All-Centennial Conference first-team pick. She was the first player in team history to reach 100 goals and 100 assists in her career.

The 2013 FIL Women’s World Cup, held at the Oshawa Civic Recreation Centre near Toronto from July 10-20, marks the blue and white’s first foray in the quadrennial world championship as well as Norris' debut as a coach on the world stage.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to coach internationally and lead Israel to its first ever World Championship Games. It is an honor to be chosen to lead these young women on the field against the best teams in the world, and to work with them to help support, encourage and promote the sport of lacrosse in Israel," Norris said. “I am looking forward to being a part of an organization that is geared toward developing young leaders, giving back to its community and dedicating their time to the development of the game in Israel.

The United States edged Australia, 8-7, to capture gold at the 2009 Women’s World Cup in Prague. The Americans will defend their title against Israel and 17 other nations this year in Oshawa. Other new entries expected to participate include Hong Kong, Latvia and Sweden.

Israel’s roster will be composed of Israeli players as well as Jewish players from abroad in accordance with the rules and regulations of the FIL. The team will train July 4-8 in Ashkelon, Israel, before flying to Toronto on July 9.